Fin-Ring Propeller For A Water Current Power Generation System

ABSTRACT

A water current power generation system is provided, including a plurality of flotation tubes joined by a body structure; a plurality of ballast chambers joined by a body structure; a plurality of induction type power generation units disposed within housings associated with one or more of the flotation chambers, ballast chambers and body structure; and a plurality of propellers disposed in mechanical communication with each of the induction type generator units. In one presently preferred embodiment, a plurality of propellers disposed in communication with a plurality of induction type generator units, wherein the propellers each include one or more concentrically disposed rings, with each of the concentrically disposed rings having an inner ring member, an outer ring member, and a plurality of curved fin members separated by gap spaces disposed between the inner and outer ring members. Methods and means of deploying, positioning, maintaining, controlling and operating the system are also provided, as are detailed descriptions of novel inductor type generators used to obtain power from fast moving water currents, flotation tanks for tensioning the system against a submerged anchoring system disposed on an associated seafloor, and fluid-filled ballast chambers equipped with multiple sub-chambers that lend precision control and continuous adjustability to the system.

STATEMENT OF RELATED CASES

The instant application claims the benefit of prior U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/259,359 filed Nov. 9, 2009.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to renewable energy powergeneration systems, and in a particular though non-limiting embodiment,to a submerged or waterborne system for generating power derived fromfast-moving water currents using an induction-type generator systemequipped with one or more fin-ring propellers. The fin-ring propellersshown and described herein are also suitable for use in systems usingconventional generator drive systems and other means of power creation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the rising cost of fossil fuels and increased energy demand in theworld's economies and industries, different and more efficient methodsof developing energy sources are constantly being sought. Of particularinterest are renewable alternative energy sources, such as solar powerdevices with batteries, windmill farms, and systems deriving power fromsequestered hydrogen.

However, such energy sources are not yet capable of deliveringcontinuous power to a widespread area on a commercial scale. Moreover,some proposed technologies, such as hydrogen powered systems involvingthe refinement of seawater, actually consume more power in theconversion process than is output at the end of the system. Others, suchas hydrogen derived from methane, produce equal or greater amounts offossil fuel emissions than the conventional oil-based technologies theyare intended to replace, and still others, such as battery, solar andwindmill based systems, require such consistent exposure to significantsunlight or winds that their commercial effectiveness is inherentlylimited.

One proposed alternative energy system involves the harnessing of hydropower derived from fast moving water currents, for example, currentshaving peak flow velocities of 2 m/s or more.

In practice, however, existing underwater power generating devices haveproven inadequate, even where installed at sites where currentvelocities are consistently very fast. This is due, at least in part, toboth a lack of efficient means for generating the power and forcompatibly transferring power obtained from underwater power generatingsystems to an attendant land or waterborne power relay station.

Existing propeller designs and waterborne power generating mechanismshave also proven to be inadequate, failing to provide either adequateenergy generation or sufficient stability against maximum velocitycurrents.

Another significant problem is the environmental issues associated withobtaining energy from water currents without damaging surroundingaquatic life, such as reefs, marine foliage, schools of fish, etc.

There is, therefore, an important and as yet unmet need for a watercurrent power generation system that overcomes the problems currentlyexisting in the art, and which generates and transfers to a relaystation a significant amount of power in a safe, reliable, andenvironmentally-friendly manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A water current power generation system having a fin-ring propellersystem is provided, the system including: a flotation chamber; aninduction type power generation unit disposed within a housingassociated with the flotation chamber; and a propeller disposed incommunication with the induction type generator unit, wherein thepropeller further comprises one or more concentrically disposed rings,each of the concentrically disposed rings having an inner ring member,an outer ring member, and a plurality of curved fin members separated bygap spaces disposed between the inner and outer ring members.

A further water current power generation system having a fin-ringpropeller system is also provided, the system including: a plurality offlotation tubes joined by a body structure; a plurality of ballastchambers joined by a body structure; a plurality of induction type powergeneration units disposed within housings associated with one or more ofthe flotation chambers, ballast chambers and body structure; and aplurality of propellers disposed in communication with the inductiontype generator units, wherein the plurality of propellers furthercomprise one or more concentrically disposed rings, the concentricallydisposed rings having an inner ring member, an outer ring member, and aplurality of curved fin members separated by gap spaces disposed betweenthe inner and outer ring members.

A propeller system for submerged or waterborne structures is alsoprovided, the propeller system including: a hub member for disposingsaid propeller in communication with a drive system; and one or moreconcentrically disposed rings, the concentrically disposed rings havingan inner ring member, an outer ring member, and a plurality of curvedfin members separated by gap spaces disposed between the inner ringmember and said outer ring member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood, and numerousobjects, features, and advantages made apparent to those skilled in theart by referencing the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a water current power energy generation systemaccording to one example embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a water current power energy generation systemaccording to a second example embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a ballast tube having a plurality of labyrinthtype isolation chambers according to a third embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 4A is a top view of a water current power energy generation systemaccording to a fourth example embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4B is a top view of the example embodiment depicted in FIG. 4A,further including an associated tether anchoring system.

FIG. 5 is a front view of an example propeller system embodimentsuitable for use in connection with a submerged or waterborne powergeneration system.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the example propeller system embodimentdepicted in FIG. 5, with a detailed portion of the system isolated foradditional perspective.

FIG. 7 is an isolated view of a portion of the example propeller systemembodiment depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. 8 is a side view of an example water current power generationsystem further comprising a drag mounted propeller array.

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the example water current power generationsystem depicted in FIG. 8, wherein an even number of propellersfacilitate offsetting rotational forces in a drag mounted array.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The description that follows includes a number of exemplary systemdesigns and methods of use that embody advantages of the presentlyinventive subject matter. However, it will be understood by those ofordinary skill in the art that the disclosed embodiments will admit topractice without some of the specific details recited herein. In otherinstances, well-known sub-sea and power generating equipment, protocols,structures and techniques have not been described or shown in detail inorder to avoid obfuscation of the invention.

FIG. 1 depicts a first example embodiment of a water current powergeneration system 101. In its simplest form, the system comprises aflotation tube 102, a ballast tube 103, and an induction type powergeneration unit 104 equipped with a propeller 105.

While FIG. 1 appears to depict only a single flotation tube 102, ballastunit 103 and generator component 104, it is in fact a side view of alarger system, and commercial embodiments comprising multiple tubes andgenerator components are presently contemplated and described below.Nonetheless, those of skill in the pertinent arts will readilyappreciate that description of a limited system with singular elementsis illustrative, and will not limit the scope of the subject matterdisclosed herein.

The novelty of the system lies in the induction type power generationunit 104, which lends simplicity and reliability to operations, andproduces power that can be output either with or without transformationas an alternating current (AC) to an associated relay station (notshown). The system is therefore capable of producing AC power on acommercially viable scale that can be easily sold to and used by aneighboring electrical grid.

Generally, induction generators are mechanically and electricallysimpler than other types of synchronous electrical power generators ordirect current (DC) generators. They also tend to be more rugged anddurable, and usually require neither brushes nor commutators.

For example, an electrical three-phase asynchronous (e.g., cage wound)induction machine will, when operated slower than its synchronous speed,function as a motor; the same device, however, when operated faster thanits synchronous speed, will function as an induction generator.

In short, induction generators can be used to produce alternatingelectrical power when an internal shaft is rotated faster than thesynchronous frequency. In the present invention, the shaft rotation isaccomplished by means of an associated propeller 105 disposed in arelatively fast moving water current.

Power derived from the system will, in most cases, be intended tosupplement a neighboring power grid system, and thus the operatingfrequencies of the grid will dictate the frequency of operation for thepower generation system. For example, many large power grid systemscurrently employ a nominal operating frequency of between 50 and 60Hertz.

Induction generators are not self-exciting, however, so they requireeither an external power supply (as could easily be obtained from theneighboring grid using an umbilical run either through the water orbeneath an associated seafloor) or else “soft started” by means of areduced voltage starter in order to produce an initial rotation magneticflux. Reduced voltage starters can lend important advantages to thesystem, such as quickly determining appropriate operational frequencies,and permitting an unpowered restart in the event the attendant powergrip is deactivated for some reason, for example, as a result of damagecaused by a hurricane.

Another important consideration for large waterborne power generatingsystems is the establishment of a well-balanced flotational equilibriumthat allows for continuous dynamic position regardless of surroundingcurrent velocities. Even assuming that surrounding current velocitiesremain within a predetermined range of acceptable operating velocities,system equilibrium could still be jeopardized by an especially powerfulhurricane of the like, but disposition of the system well under the lineof typical wave force, i.e., approximately 100-150 feet deep or so, willgreatly reduce such disturbances. The various offsetting forces ofgravitational kips, flotation kips, drag kips and holding kips will alsocontribute to the overall stability of a continuous water current energygenerating system.

The flotation tube 102 illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises a cylindricalbody portion disposed in mechanical communication with at least one endcap unit 104 that houses the aforementioned induction generators. Thegenerators and associated end cap housings contain a drive shaft and, insome embodiments, related planetary gearing for propeller 105.

In some embodiments, flotation tube 102 comprises a cubical or hexagonalshape, though effective practice of the invention will admit to othergeometries as well. In a presently preferred embodiment, flotation tube102 is approximately cylindrical, and pressurized with gas (e.g., air oranother safe, buoyant gas) so that, when the system is restrained byanchored tether 106, the combined forces will constitute the primarylifting force for the ocean current energy generating system.

Accordingly, the system can be raised to the surface for maintenance orinspection by turning off the generators, thereby reducing drag on thesystem, which allows the system to rise somewhat toward the surface. Byopening the flotation tube(s) and/or evacuating fluid from the ballasttube(s), the unit can be safely and reliably floated to the surface sothat maintenance or inspection can be performed.

According to a method of moving the system, tether 106 can also bereleased, so that the floating structure can be towed or otherwisepowered toward land or another operating site.

The example embodiment depicted in FIG. 2 is a front view of the powergeneration system 201, equipped with a plurality of relatively large,slow moving propellers 206 disposed in mechanical communication with theshaft members of induction generator units 204 and 205. As seen ingreater detail in FIG. 4A, the generator units are disposed within endcap units housed within flotation tubes 102, as well as across the spanof a lattice type body portion of the system disposed between theflotation tubes.

Turning now to FIG. 3, a detailed view of the inside of the ballasttubes previously depicted as item 103 in FIG. 1 is provided, in which aplurality of labyrinth type isolation chambers are joined in such amanner that separation and mixture of various gases and liquids can beused to permit much finer control of the balance and notational forcespresent in the system that can be obtained by means of floatation tubes102.

As seen in the illustrated embodiment, an interior ballast system 301formed within a ballast tube comprises an air control source 302disposed in fluid communication with an overpressure check valve and afirst isolation chamber 303. First isolation chamber 303 contains both adry gas (e.g., air having a pressure equal to the surrounding outsidewater pressure) present in an upper portion of the chamber, and a fluid(e.g., seawater drawn in from outside the isolation chamber) present ina lower portion of the chamber.

First isolation chamber 303 also comprises a secondary air feed line 305for distributing air to other gas-filled compartments of the structure,as well as lines for mixtures of gas and fluid from first isolationchamber 303 to second isolation chamber 304. Second isolation chamber304 in turn comprises an upper portion containing air and a lowerportion containing water or the like, which are separated by anisolation cylinder. In other embodiments, the isolation cylindercontains sea water upon which floats a barrier fluid in order to ensurebetter isolation between the air and seawater.

In further embodiments, either of first or second isolation chambers303, 304 is equipped with instrumentation (e.g., pressure sensors ordifferential pressure sensors) to determine whether fluid or air ispresent in a particular cavity of the system. In still furtherembodiments, such sensors are input into a logical control system (notshown) used to assist in the detection and control of balance and thrustrelated measurements.

The process of advancing air through the system in upper portions oftanks while ensuring that water or other liquids remain in the lowerportions is continued until desired balance and control characteristicsare obtained. Ultimately, a final isolation chamber 306 is provided,which, in the depicted embodiment, comprises an air outlet valve 309used to let air out of the system and, in some circumstances, water intothe system.

A pressure safety valve 307 is provided in the event internal pressuresbecome so great that venting of pressure is required in order tomaintain the integrity of system control, and an open water flow valve308 fitted with a screen to prevent accidental entry by sea creatures isdisposed in a lower portion of the isolation tank 306.

Again, barrier fluids and the like can be used to reduce interactionbetween air and water, and if the system is fitted with a float controlfloating on top of the sea water, the barrier fluid can be retainedafter all of the sea water is expelled.

FIG. 4A presents a top view of one embodiment of the system 401, whichin this instance comprises a first flotation tube 402 and a secondflotation tube 403; a connecting, lattice like body portion 404 disposedtherebetween; a plurality of induction generators 405, 406 positionedstrategically around the floatation tubes and the body portions; aplurality of propellers 407 disposed in mechanical communication withthe generators; and a plurality of tethering members 408, 409 disposedin mechanical communication with the flotation tubes 402, 403.

In the example embodiment depicted in FIG. 4B, tethering members 408 and409 are joined to form a single anchoring tether 410 that is affixed ina known manner to anchoring member 411.

In various embodiments, anchoring tether 410 further comprises means forvariably restraining and releasing the system. In various otherembodiments, anchoring tether 410 terminates at an anchoring member 411equipped with a tether termination device (not shown). Anchoring member411 comprises any type of known anchor (e.g., a dead-weight anchor orthe like) suitable for maintaining a fixed position in fast movingcurrents, which are usually found in locations with rocky seafloors dueto soil erosion caused by the fast moving currents.

In still other embodiments, this portion of the station can be securedby attaching anchoring tether 410 to either a surface vessel or anotherocean current energy generating device, or to another central mooringlocation such as a floating dynamic positioning buoy.

Turning now to example propeller system embodiments discussed only verygenerally above, FIGS. 5-7 depict several specific (though non-limiting)example embodiments of a propeller system suitable for use with thewater current power generation system disclosed herein. Those ofordinary skill in the pertinent arts will also appreciate, however, thatwhile the example propeller systems disclosed herein are described withreference to a water current power generation system driven by aninduction-type power generator, the example propeller systems can alsobe used in connection with other types of submerged or waterborne powergeneration systems to achieve many of the same advantages taught herein.

FIG. 5, for example, is a front view of an example propeller systemembodiment suitable for use in connection with a submerged or waterbornepower generation system.

As depicted, propeller 501 comprises a plurality of alternating fin setsand enclosing rings, which will hereinafter be referred to as a“fin-ring” configuration. Such fin-ring propellers would typically bedesigned to specification for each particular application, and improvedefficiency will be realized by tailoring the diameter, circumference,fin curvature and disposition eccentricity, material selections, etc.,based on the operational frequencies required by the inductiongenerators, the speed of surrounding water currents, environmentalconsiderations (e.g., whether the propellers should have openings orvoids through which fish or other aquatic life may pass), and so on.Similarly, neighboring sets of propellers can be rotated in oppositedirections (e.g., either clockwise or counterclockwise, asrepresentatively depicted in FIG. 2) in order to promote the creation ofeddies or dead zones in front of the propellers, which can repel or helpprotect marine life, enhance propeller rotation efficiency, etc.

When used in connection with a water current power generation systemdriven by an induction-type power generator, the only firm operationalrequirement for the propellers is that they are capable of rotatingassociated generator shafts at the speeds required to obtain operationalgenerator frequencies. However, it is highly desirable that the systemas a whole remains passive with respect to interaction with local marinelife, and optimal performance results are achieved when the systemgenerates the required power output while still maintaining anenvironmentally neutral operating environment.

Beginning in the center of the device, it is seen that propeller 501 isdisposed around a hub or shaft portion 502 that both holds the propeller501 in a secure and reliable manner (e.g., by means of mechanicalaffixation, such as by means of encapsulated rust-resistant fasteners,welding a propeller body or multiple pieces of a propeller body to ashaft into a single unitary whole, etc.) and imparts a rotational torqueproportional to the angular momentum of the rotating propeller onto theshaft for delivery to the power generator. In some embodiments, hub orshaft portion 502 further comprises a flotation means used to improvethe mechanical connection of the Fin-Ring propeller to the shaft. Likethe affixation means, drive shafts appropriate for this task currentlyexist in the art of record, and may comprise, for example, a series ofgears and/or clutches, breaking systems, etc., as would be required toeffectively communicate the propeller's rotational torque to thegenerator shaft.

In one specific embodiment, a retaining fastener such as a bolt andwasher assembly or the like is removed from the end of a drive shaft,the fin-ring propeller structure is slipped over the exposed shaft, andthen the fastener is replaced, thereby mechanically affixing thefin-ring structure to the shaft. Optimally, the fastener would then becovered by a water-tight cover or the like as representatively depictedin FIG. 6, item 601.

In other embodiments, a central hub comprises the connection pointmechanical communication with a large shaft, which can be eitherinstalled or removed and replaced as a single structure so that thepropeller can be easily serviced and maintained while in the water. Inother embodiments, the hub further comprises a fixed flotation means inorder to resist the overhanging load of the shaft and propellerassembly. Similarly, the propellers (especially the front propellers ina submerged system, which absorb most of the force of the water current)can be drag mounted to overcome resistance attributable to cumulativefluid pressure against the fin-ring structure.

Regardless of how the propeller is affixed to the shaft and whether itis drag mounted and/or supported by a fixed flotation member, theexemplary embodiment of the fin-ring design depicted herein is generallysimilar across a multitude of other, related embodiments suitable forpractice within the system. For example, in the example embodiment 501depicted in FIG. 5, the hub attachment assembly 502 is concentricallysurrounded by a first ring member 503, beyond which (i.e., further outfrom the hub assembly) is a second ring member 506. Disposed betweenfirst ring member 503 and second ring member 506 is a plurality of finmembers 504, each of which is separated by a gap 505. The gap spacebetween fin members 504 will vary by application, but as a generalmatter the gaps between fins will increase in size from the inner mostring (in which the gaps are typically the smallest) to the outermostrings (where the gap space is the largest). Other configurations admitto gaps of similar sizes, or even larger gaps on inner rings than onouter rings, but an advantage of a mostly solid inner ring surface,wherein most of the entirety of the ring's possible surface area isutilized by fins rather than gaps, is that the structure will tend toforce fluid pressure away from the center of the structure toward theoutermost rings and beyond the perimeter of the device altogether.

This approach helps the propeller rotate more easily, and greatlyimproves the environmental safety of the device by forcing small marinelife and the like that might come near the structure toward the outsideof the system so that they can either avoid the propeller structurealtogether, or else pass through one of the larger gaps in the outerrings. Since resistance against the structure is reduced and greaterrotational torque is transmitted to the drive shafts with less drag andloss, the propeller can also be rotated very slowly (for example, in oneexample embodiment generating satisfactory field results, the propellerrotates at a speed of only 8 RPM), further ensuring that marine lifewill be able to avoid the structure and enhancing environmentalneutrality and safety. The slow rotational speeds also make the systemmore rugged and durable and less likely to suffer damage if contacted bydebris or a submerged object floating nearby.

Successive concentric rings of fins 507 and gaps 508 disposed withinadditional approximately circular rings 509 are then added to thestructure, thereby creating additional concentric rings of fins and gaps510-512 until the desired circumference has been achieved. In apresently preferred embodiment, the gap spaces 514 of the outermost ringare the largest gap spaces in the system, and separate fins 513 to thesystem's greatest extent. A final ring member 515 encloses the outerperiphery of the propeller system, again enhancing it's environmentalfriendliness, as fish and other marine life inadvertently striking theoutside ring 515 will encounter only a slight glancing blow against aslowly-moving structure, which further increases marine safety bypushing water and fluid pressures away from the device as much aspossible.

As seen in the boxed region 603 of FIG. 6 (which generally depicts theexample embodiment of FIG. 5, though with the hub attachment portioncovered with a water-proof cap 601 or the like), the pitch of fins 602measured relative to the plane of the fin-ring assembly can be altered(for example, the rings can be disposed with greater eccentricity) astheir position within the assembly is advanced from the first ringsurrounding the central hub toward the outermost rings. Disposing fins602 at a flatter pitch within the interior rings and more eccentrically(i.e., in a plane more perpendicular to the assembly plane) in the outerrings will tend to flatten and smooth the water flow around thepropeller, thereby achieving superior fluid flow characteristics (whichminimizes system vibration), creating less resistance against thepropeller structure, and providing a greater surrounding centrifugalfluid force to assure that marine life avoids the center of thepropeller system.

In the example embodiment 701 depicted in FIG. 7 (which isrepresentative of the boxed region 603 in FIG. 6), a series of curvedfins 702, 704, 706, 708 are disposed between gaps 703, 705, 707, 709 ofincreasing size (note that the center attachment hub from which thesmallest concentric rings originate would be located beyond the top ofthe Figure, e.g., above fin 702 and gap 703). In the depictedembodiment, fins 702, 704, 706, 708 are also disposed with greatereccentricity as they are installed further and further from the hub, sothat the disposition angle of fin 708 measured relative to the assemblyplane would be greater than that of fins 702, 704, 706 disposed nearedthe center attachment hub.

In the example embodiment depicted in FIG. 8, a tethered, submergedwater current power generation system is provided in which the entirepropeller array is drag mounted, so that power interference from a frontmounted array is avoided, and greater system stability and powerefficiency is achieved. As seen, this particular configuration admits toone or more propellers disposed in both an upper drag mount position anda lower drag mount position, though disposition of multiple propellerarrays in an either greater or fewer number of levels is also possible.

In FIG. 9, which is essentially a rear view of the alternativeembodiment depicted in FIG. 8, it is seen that one specific (thoughnon-limiting) embodiment comprises a propeller array having ten totalpropellers, with six propellers being disposed in a lower drag mountposition, and four propellers being disposed in an upper drag mountedposition, with the upper position array being further distributed withtwo propellers on each side of the power generation system. Thisparticular embodiment has been found to admit to superior powergeneration characteristics, while stabilizing the attendant systemstructure by minimizing vibration, and allowing evenly matched pairs ofpropellers to run in opposite rotational directions. While suchconfigurations are optimal for certain embodiments of the powergeneration system, a virtually limitless number of other arrays anddisposition configurations can instead be employed when deemed effectivein a given operations environment.

As a practical matter, the composition of the entire fin-ring propellerstructure would likely be common, for example, all made from a durable,coated or rust-resistant, lightweight metal. However, differing materialcompositions as between fins and rings is also possible, and othermaterials such as metallic composites, hard carbon composites, ceramics,etc., is certainly possible without departing from the scope of theinvention.

While still other aspects of the invention, which in current practicetypically comprise devices associated with underwater energy productiongenerally (for example, auxiliary power supply sources, fiber opticcontrol and communication systems, attendant remote-operated vehiclesused to service the power station, etc.), are certainly contemplated asperipherals for use in the deployment, positioning, control andoperation of the system, it is not deemed necessary to describe suchitems in great detail as such systems and sub-systems would already beknown to those of ordinary skill in the pertinent arts.

Though the present invention has been depicted and described in detailabove with respect to several exemplary embodiments, those of ordinaryskill in the art will also appreciate that minor changes to thedescription, and various other modifications, omissions and additionsmay also be made without departing from either the spirit or scopethereof.

1. A water current power generation system, said system comprising: aflotation chamber; an induction type power generation unit disposedwithin a housing associated with said flotation chamber; and a propellerdisposed in communication with said induction type generator unit,wherein said propeller further comprises one or more concentricallydisposed rings, each of said concentrically disposed rings having aninner ring member, an outer ring member, and a plurality of curved finmembers separated by gap spaces disposed between said inner and outerring members.
 2. The water current power generation system of claim 1,further comprising a plurality of flotation chambers joined by a bodystructure.
 3. The water current power generation system of claim 1,further comprising a ballast chamber.
 4. The water current powergeneration system of claim 3, further comprising a plurality of ballastchambers.
 5. The water current power generation system of claim 4,wherein said plurality of ballast chambers are joined by a bodystructure.
 6. The water current power generation system of claim 2,wherein said body structure houses one or more induction type generatorunits.
 7. The water current power generation system of claim 6, furthercomprising a plurality of propellers disposed in mechanicalcommunication with said one or more induction type generator units. 8.The water current power generation system of claim 3, wherein saidballast chamber further comprises one or more labyrinth type isolationchambers.
 9. The water current power generation system of claim 8,wherein at least one of said one or more labyrinth type isolationchambers further comprises an upper portion that houses a gas.
 10. Thewater current power generator system of claim 8, wherein at least one ofsaid one or more labyrinth type isolation chambers further comprises alower portion that houses a liquid.
 11. The water current powergeneration system of claim 8, wherein at least one of said one or morelabyrinth type isolation chambers further comprises an upper portion anda lower portion separated by an intermediate cylinder disposed in fluidcommunication with a barrier fluid.
 12. The water current powergeneration system of claim 8, wherein at least one of said one or morelabyrinth isolation chambers further comprises a gas source controlvalve.
 13. The water current power generation system of claim 8, whereinat least one of said one or more labyrinth isolation chambers furthercomprises a gas exit valve.
 14. The water current power generationsystem of claim 8, wherein at least one of said one or more labyrinthisolation chambers further comprises a pressure safety valve.
 15. Thewater current power generation system of claim 8, wherein at least oneof said one or more labyrinth isolation chambers further comprises afluid intake/outtake valve equipped with a screen to prevent entry intosaid chambers by marine life.
 16. The water current power generationsystem of claim 8, wherein at least one of said one or more labyrinthisolation chambers further comprises a check valve, which whenover-pressurized initiates evacuation of water from said one or moreisolation chambers.
 17. The water current power generation system ofclaim 1, further comprising at least one tethering member.
 18. The watercurrent power generation system of claim 17, wherein said at least onetethering member is disposed in communication with a tether terminatingmember.
 19. The water current power generation system of claim 18,wherein said tether terminating member is disposed in communication withan anchoring member.
 20. A water current power generation system, saidsystem comprising: a plurality of flotation tubes joined by a bodystructure; a plurality of ballast chambers joined by a body structure; aplurality of induction type power generation units disposed withinhousings associated with one or more of said flotation chambers, ballastchambers and body structure; and a plurality of propellers disposed incommunication with said induction type generator units, wherein saidplurality of propellers further comprise one or more concentricallydisposed rings, said concentrically disposed rings having an inner ringmember, an outer ring member, and a plurality of curved fin membersseparated by gap spaces disposed between said inner and outer ringmembers. 21-30. (canceled)